Key Dates For 2024

Out with our own events there is plenty happening in 2024 in to inspire or get involved in.

Whether it’s to race or spectate, if there’s still room to add some dates to your boating calendar then keep reading to find out about events you’ve definitely heard of, and some that could be new to you.

Here's a roundup of some key dates for 2024

Olympics 

July- August 2024

Spoiler alert, it’s not in Scotland, but with two Scots sailors part of Team GB, we are quite proud and will be watching this closely. The Olympic sailing events will take place between the 28th of July and the 8th of August 2024 

Rhu sailor Anna Burnett will be stepping aboard her Nacra 17 with partner Jon Gimson, when they’ll be hoping to keep up the momentum from their European Championship win this November.

Joining Anna at The Games is fellow Scot Fynn Sterritt who’s set to take to the waves with 49er partner James Peters. Hailing from Kingussie, Fynn has been telling friends in the Scottish Highlands about his Olympic goal since his teens, one to watch for sure. 

Clipper Fleet visit Oban

July 2024

Remaining on a big scale, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be back for 2024. But, bringing the action a bit closer than Paris, the renowned competition will make a stop in Scotland for the first time in its 27-year history.

Set to make an- appearance up in Oban, the Scottish pitstop will mark the penultimate pause on the 40,000nm race in July next year.
The small west coast town is no stranger to the franchise, with Clipper Ventures visiting Oban as part of the company’s wider initiatives back in 2021. Clipper delivered four packed weeks of sail training programmes, aimed at youngsters who had been impacted by the pressures of Covid-19.

Want to watch the action unfold? Read more about what to expect from the Clipper Yacht Race, including the crew list featuring some Scottish names.

RFYC Host the UK Squib Nationals

15 June - 21 June 2024

On the East coast there is also set to be some midsummer action, as Royal Forth Yacht Club in Edinburgh prepare to host the Squib UK National Championships.
Starting on the 15th of June, the week long classic dayboat event is returning to Scotland for the first time since 1998, when the event was held in Dundee.
Promising a packed social calendar and plenty of local knowledge on a range of activities within 3 miles from the clubhouse, there’s sure to be plenty going on off the water too.

Sounds interesting? Read more from Royal Forth YC

UK Aero 5 & 7 Nationals

28 July-2 August 2024

Slightly more regular, are the RS Aero 5 & 7 Nationals which comes to Scotland around every five years.  East Lothian Yacht Club are playing host to the singlehanded sailing class next summer, ready to showcase their scenic beach location and friendly club. They’re no strangers to the competition, having hosted back in 2019 as well. 
Find out more about the intense racing fleet, and what to expect from next years event. 

International 8 metre World Cup

19-24th August 2024

Joining the two nationals at the end of the summer is… a world cup. The International 8 metre World Cup are headed for the West Coast.

With tune up racing on the 17^th and 18^th of August, and World Cup racing from the 19^th to the 24^th, the end of summer spectacle is sure to bring the action. Hosted jointly by Royal Northern & Clyde and Mudhook Yacht Clubs, the event will see the classic 8 metre class return to the Clyde as the hosts celebrate 200 year, and 150 year anniversaries respectively.

Still treasured by many owners across the globe, many will be excited to see the return of the former Olympic Class.

Give racing a try in dinghies

The Scottish Dinghy Sailing Group have created an events calendar for 2024. The group started to compile a list from what is available and have welcomed additional input from classes and clubs to ensure the details are still valid.

Any updates and information are entirely the responsibility of the Scottish Dinghy Sailing Group and they welcome help with the admin on this.

Give racing a try in keelboats

Alongside the big dates to keep in mind for bigger boats, for those newer to racing and looking for somewhere to get started, there are also plenty of open events run by clubs and class associations with crewing opportunities. These events offer different categories available to sail or race in company. Read on for some quick-fire dates you might consider. 

Kip Regatta

May 11^th-12^th 2024

The annual start to the Clyde racing season run by Royal Western YC, off Kip Marina. Several fleets involved from the more competitive course racing to passage racing for those not wishing to use the spinnaker or go round as many corners. Find out more at the Kip Regatta 

Scottish Series

May 24^th-27^th 2024 

Four days of exhilarating racing great for sailors to come together across a diverse range of classes in a friendly environment. Find our more at the Scottish Series website for how to get involved. 

Round Mull Race

28th - 30th June 2024

This three stage race is open to all monohull yachts with a CYCA handicap, taking competitors from Oban to Tobermory on day 1, on to Bunessan on day 2, and then back on the home straight, hopefully by Sunday night.

Described as a highlight of the West Coast Yachting calendar, sailors from all over Scotland and further afield are sure to gather for some fine scenery and fine racing. Find out more on the Oban SC website.

West Highland Yachting Week

27th July – 2nd August 2024

This travelling series gives yachters the option to complete the series, or enter individual races if they don’t want to take part in the entire week long regatta.

Suitable for a range of experience levels, ages, and competitive spirits, the race committee welcome and support first timers. Visit the West Highland Yachting Week Website for full details.

Largs Regatta Festival

23rd to 31st August 2024

Largs Regatta Festival is open to keelboats and dinghies, and catamarans of all classes, racing is spread over two weekends with a range of racing on offer.

But, for those not so worried about speed, a Cruise in Company will be led by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust again this year. 

Keelboat Clubs Calendar Planning

To find even more possible keelboat and yacht events afloat, The Clyde Yacht Clubs Association collate local and national events on the Clyde, accessible via their 2024 CYCA Events Calendar

Similarly the Forth Yacht Clubs Association ( FYCA ) helps clubs to coordinate events with a website, and are active on their Facebook group.

For those with a passion for Keelboats and Yachting, there are also plenty of opportunities and information to read up on.

Windsurf and foiling events in 2024

If dinghies and keelboats aren’t your thing then why not have a go at windsurf or foil competitions.

The Scottish Fin & Foil series is dedicated to board sports with a full calendar of events available for all abilities around the country.

Tiree Wave Classic

12^th  to 18^th October 2024

The Tiree Wave Classic this the longest running wave sailing event in the world, bringing some of the best wave sailors from around the world to show their aerial prowess off the Isle of Tiree.

Scottish Fin & Foil Open Championships

7^th to 11^th August 2024

To the newest event on the calendar is the Scottish Fin & Foil Open Championships 2024 that takes place on Loch Ryan in Stranraer in Scotland’s South West.

Alternate adventures afloat

With no shortage of regattas and racing series to keep you busy, there are also plenty more unique dates to consider should you be looking for something a little different. 

Scottish Island Peaks Race 2024

17th-19th May 2024

For those with a passion for hills as much as waves, this adventure combined fell running with sailing across several days.

Open to a range of sailing classes, this event can also be broken down into runners and sailors, as well as an all rounders class for those taking the challenge even further. Why not get a team together and if you are looking for some runners their are plenty wishing to get from island to island, so contact the race team on their website if your interested.

Want to protect the environment in which you boat?

If you are simply using your time to race to save the planet then why not use your boat differently in 2024 and plan a remote beach clean. Some great examples happening across Scotland already, why not join in! 

Check out some of Scotland’s beach clean champions to find a way to make a different:

• Ullapool Sea Savers

• The Scottish Coastal Clean Up has also been active with some Beach Blitz Events

• Marine Conservation Society run organised beach cleans

For even more events and resources on protecting our marine environment, Keep Scotland Beautiful  can provide an in depth insight alongside the information available through the Green Blue. 

Why not take the Green Blue Boating Pledge and follow some of the key factors that can help minimise your impact on the environment.

So look out for the team while your afloat or online and keep in touch if there is something you feel we should highlight.